Two groups were selected as the winners of the tendering process, one of which consists of YIT Infra Oy, NRC Group Finland Oy, Sitowise Oy and Sweco Finland Oy. The Helsinki Urban Environment Committee's Buildings and Public Areas Subcommittee confirmed the selection on 31 October, and the board of Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd made the procurement decision on 12 November.

- The alliance programme is a significant and important project for us. We are delighted that the client sees continuous improvement and continuity as essential, and this model now chosen enables us to develop in the long term, and I believe that it will benefit all parties in the alliance, says Jannis Mikkola, Business Director at Sitowise.

First up is the light rail connecting western Helsinki

The West Trams project will be launched first, including the Vihdintie light rail, the new tramways in the western inner city on Fredrikinkatu and Topeliuksenkatu, and related street investments. The City Council decided on the implementation of the project in 2021. The alliances will start drawing up more detailed construction plans required for the implementation of the project. The aim is to start the construction phase in 2026 and operate during 2031. The project has been budgeted for approximately EUR 310 million for the client, and the maximum allowable cost is approximately EUR 260 million plus related projects approximately EUR 140–150 million.

The Viikki-Malmi light rail (ViiMa) and West Harbour light rail (LäPi), which are optional in the programme, are in the general planning phase. If the council decides to launch these projects, the alliance will start drawing up project plans based on which the implementation of the tramways can be decided at a later date. The implementation would take place between 2027 and 2031. ViiMa's estimated budget is approximately EUR 300–360 million and the preliminary supplementary budget for related projects is approximately EUR 240–250 million. The estimated budget for LäPi is approximately EUR 30–40 million and the preliminary supplementary budget for related projects is approximately EUR 80–90 million.

The maximum value of the investments is EUR 1,200 million, of which tramway investments account for approximately EUR 600 million, street investments for approximately EUR 400 million and water supply investments for approximately EUR 150 million.

The tendering process assessed the candidates' competence and commitment

The aim of the programme is to reduce the effects of construction and to create a high-quality urban environment. The City of Helsinki and Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd are the most significant clients in the infrastructure sector. In the alliance model, the project parties jointly bear responsibility for design and construction. The model has previously been used, for example, in the implementation of the Jokeri Light Rail and the from Kalasatama to Pasilan tramway project.

Four candidate groups participated in the alliance tendering process launched in June. The tendering process consisted of two phases in which the tenderers' competence, management capabilities and management commitment to implementing the programme were assessed. Interviews, case assignments and development workshops were used as evaluation methods.

- The bidding phase of the project was very intensive, and our bidding group was motivated by our ambition to develop and expand Helsinki as a tram city, says Elina Väistö, Sitowise Head of Divison.

Picture: Voima Graphics